Children&#39;s ride device



April 9, 1963 D BROWN CHILDREN'S RIDE DEVICE Filed Feb. 25. 1960 INVENTOR. DONALD K. BROWN mfi! A TTORNE Y United States Patent 3,684,935 (IHELDRENS RIDE DEVICE Donald K. Brown, Salt Lake City, Utah, assignor of one-third to Warren H. Kintzinger Filed Feb. 23, 1960, bar. No. 10,227 d Claims. (Cl. 272-33) This invention relates to ride devices for children, and relates particularly to rider impelled and operated ride devices.

Many such ride devices operated by timed and coordinated rider impulse such as swings, teeter-totters and merry-go-rounds havebeen developed in the past. The present invention adds to such-array of known rides, a new ride device designed to appeal to children and to further develop childrens body balance, rhythm, coordination and sense of team-work as well as provide exercise.

A major object of the invention is to provide such a ride device that can be economically manufactured on a mass production basis, and that will hold great interest and generally sustained appeal for children.

Features cooperating in the accomplishment of the above object are the provision of a rim and a center support post joined by framework upon which seats are mounted. These are arranged to give a ride device adapted for two point support thereof on the ground through the center support post and a point of the rim. The two point support arrangement enables riders to easily set the device in motion in either direction of rotation with the point of rim contact with the ground advancing in one direction or the other as desired in response to appropriate body movement. Riders need not'touch the ground to motivate the device and by appropriate body movements may bring rotative movement to a stop and reverse direction. With the center support post acting as a pivot and the point of rim contact advancing in a circular path on the ground, the device gives an up and down motion as well as a side tilting action to the riders, and, in addition simultaneously rotates the seats and riders in the reverse direction from rim point of contact advance.

A specific embodiment representing what is presently regarded as the best mode of carrying out the invention is illustrated in the. accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a two seat version of the ride device being enjoyed by two children;

FIG. 2, a top plan view of the ride device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3, a side elevation of the ride device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4, a top plan view of a four seat embodiment of the ride device;

FIG. 5, a fragmentary vertical section taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6, a top plan view of a ride device with the support post and rim in eccentric relation;

FIG. 7,-a top plan view of a ride device with a noncircular rim; and

FIG. 8, a side elevation of a ride device with a rim following a sinuous path.

Referring to the drawing:

The ride device 14) of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 has a ground engaging rim 11 which is connected to a center support post 12 by framework including, members 13 and cross members 14. Framework members 13 also advantageously mount two seats 15 in opposed facing relation with each located between the center post 12 and the respective portion of rim '11. Framework cross members 14- are also particularly useful as foot rests as may be seen in FIG. 1.

Rim 11 has all portions thereof lying substantially in a common plane normal to center post 12 which projects therefrom to a rounded end 16. Center post 12 extends sesame Patented Apr. 9, 1 963 from the plane of rim 11 so that device 10 is in two point supporting contact on the ground, one point being rounded end, 16 and the other a point of rim 11. Center post 12 supports rim 11 in such an attitude that the point ofscontact thereof with the ground is reasonably well defined. In addition the two point supporting contact of device 10 on the ground enables children riding thereon to easily set the device in motion in either direction of rotation as desired. When the device 10 is in motion the point of rim contact with the ground is advanced in one direction or the other by appropriate body movement. Riders need not touch the ground to motivate the device 10 and may bring rotative movement to a stop and reverse direction. Riders could grasp the sides of their chairs 15 for additional support or hold handle 17 which is mounted on center post extension 18.

Rounded end 16 of center post 12 acts substantially as a pivot about which the rim 1-1 point of contact with the ground advances in a circular path. The advance of rim point of contact with the ground is a rim 11 rocking or rolling action with constantly changing elemental portions of the rim 11 establishing contact with the ground as the point of rim 11 contact is moving. When rim 11 is moving in this manner device 19 gives riders an up and down motion along with a rotating tilt action and simultaneously rotates the seats 15 and riders in the reverse direction from the advance of rim point of contact.

With rounded end 16 of center post 12 considered a pivot point at distance h from the plane of rim 11 and r the radius of rim 11 (see FIG. 3) the radius R of the circular path of rim contact with the ground equals the square root of the quantity h +r It follows that the rate of rider and seat 15 rotation in reverse of the rotational advance of rim point of contact is determined by the amount the circumference of rim 11 is shorter than the circumference of the circular path of rim contact with the ground and in addition what portion this difference in circumferences is of rim circumference. The circumference of rim 11 is 2111' and the circumference of the circular path is 21rR or 21r /h +r and the difference in circumference equals 21rR21rr. For illustration, if this difference should equal 6 of the rim circumference then for every three turns of rim point of contact advance the seats 15 and riders would complete one rotation in reverse.

Different center post lengths It may be used to provide different ride effects. A relatively short length h such as to give a rim to ground angle a of approximately 25 to 30 degrees provides a relatively mild ride particularly suitable for young children 2 to 5 years of age. On the other hand lengths it such as to give a rim to ground angle 11" of approximately 40 to 45 degrees provides a particularly exhilarating ride.

In the embodiment of =FiGS. 4 and 5 ride device 29 is an enlarged fourseat 21 version employing an adjustable-center support post 22. Framework members 23 interconnect ground engaging rim 24 and the center post 22 as well as mounting the seats 21.

Center post 22 is mounted in a tube 25 connected to framework rnembers 23 by an interlocking plate 26, which is fastened :to tube 25 as by welding, and by locking ring 27. Adjusting pin 28 projects through openings 30 of tube 25 to hold the ring 27 in place. In addition Whenever adjusting pin 28 is being inserted it is placed through one of the openings 31 to hold center post 22 in place at a desired length h from a plane of rim 24 and members 23 to the rounded end 32. Such an adjustable length center post could also be adapted for use in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 if desired. Rectangular handle 33 is mounted on the top of tube 25 by arms 34 for the convenience of riders occupying seats 21. Plate 26 has four upwardly extending sides 35 Which not only serve as foot rests for riders but also to hold respective inner portions of members 23 held down by locking ring 27 between adjacent ends of sides 35.

It should be realized there is no intention that the invention be limited to just two and four seat versions as one child could enjoy a small version of the device if properly counterbalanced as well as riders in various numbers with various versions. A three seat version could be easily provided with the seats symmetrically positioned thereon. In other versions a continuous annular seat such as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 could be employed.

It is also intended to include within the scope of my invention variations in ride devices wherein rims are displaced from a concentric relation with the support posts to an eccentric relationship therewith, and wherein other rims vary from a circle and/orvary in other directions so that various points about the rim will not lie in a common plane. These ride device variations may be employed singly or in various combinations when it is desired to impose additional variations in ride over ride effects hereinbefore described.

The ride device 40 of FIG. 6 has a support post 41 eccentrically located relative to rim 42 which is joined thereto by framework members 43. It should be noted that an annular ring seat 44 is mounted on framework members 43 and that such a seat could be readily adapted for use on the various other ride devices shown. Circular handle 45 is mounted to the top of support post 41 for riders convenience.

In the ride device 50 of FIG. 7 rim 51, which is irregularly shaped (possibly egg-shaped), is joined to support post 52 by framework members 53 and cross members 54. Seats 55 are mounted on frameworkrnembers 53 and cross members 54 provide foot rests for riders. In addition a handle bar 56 is mounted on the top of support post 52.

In the interesting embodiment of FIG. 8 ride device 61 has a rim 61 which deviates from a plane normal to support post 62 in a sinuous path. Seats 63 are mounted on framework members 64 which join rim 61 to center post 62. A handle 65 is also provided at the top of support post 62 in this embodiment.

In the ride device embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 and embodiments utilizing combinations thereof it should be realized that these variations are not to so vary from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 4 as to not employ two point supporting contact as described therefore.

Whereas there are here illustrated and described certain preferred constructions which I presently regard as the best mode of carrying out my invention, it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the disclosed inventive subject matter particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed hereinbelow.

I claim:

1. A rider propelled device comprising: a continuous rim; a support post having a lower end axially displaced from the rim and resting directly in contact with a supporting surface, a floor for example; framework interconnecting the rim and the support post; a plurality of separate seats symmetrically disposed about the support post; said seats being mounted on said framework outboard of said support post and inboard of said continuous rim; said device being constructed for resting substantially in two point contact with the supporting surface, one point being at the lower end of the support post and the other point being a point of the rim; and the continuous rim presenting an endless continuous line of points positioned for repeated momentary engagement with the supporting surface as the device is in ride motion.

2. The ride device of claim 1, wherein the rim is circular and in eccentric relation with the support post.

3. The ride device of claim 1, wherein the rim is irregularly shaped.

4. The ride device of claim 1, wherein the rim is common to a plane normal to the support post.

5. The ride device of claim 1, wherein the rim deviates from a plane normal to the support post.

6. The ride device of claim 1, wherein the rim deviates from a plane normal to the support post in a sinuous path.

7. A rider propelled device comprising: a substantially continuous rim; a support post having a lower end axially displaced from the rim and resting directly in contact with a supporting surface; framework interconnecting the rim and the support post; a plurality of separate seats symmetrically disposed about the support post; said seats being in inwardly directed support post facing relation;

7 laterally extended foot rest means inboard from each seat and adjacent said support post; hand hold means inboard from the separate seats and axially displaced above said support post; said device being constructed for resting substantially in two point contact with the supporting surface, one point being at the lower end of the support post and the other point being a point of the rim; and with the point of the rim being a constantly changing elemental portion of the rim in contact with the supporting surface when the device is in motion; said rim being positioned in such relation to said support post as to roll along a substantially closed path on the supporting surface; and the circumferential length of the rim being shorter than the substantially closed path on the supporting surface whereby, the seats and the riders are rotated bodily in a direction opposite to the direction of rim point of contact advance along the substantially closed path simultaneously with an up and down motion and a constantly shifting side tilting action as the device is being used.

8. A portable ride device constructed for movement as a unitary structure when used as a ride on any conveniently available supporting surface as a floor, lawn, or pavement, comprising: a rim; a support post having a lower end axially displaced from the rim for engaging said supporting surface; means for connecting the rim and the center post together in a unified structure; means for seating multiple riders; said rim being arranged for engaging said supporting surface, wherein said device is constructed for obtaining substantially two point support from said supporting surface, one point being at the lower end of the support post and the other being substantially a point on the rim; said support post including slidably engaged upper and lower sections and means for securing the sections in vertically adjusted relation to each other, said upper section being fixed to said means for connecting the rim and the center post together, and with said lower section including the lower end of the support post.

References (Jited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 836,016 Doner Nov. 13, 1906 1,283,210 Kinney Oct. 29, 1918 2,101,719 Niebuhr Dec. 7, 1937 2,711,898 Iasillo June 28, 1955 

1. A RIDER PROPELLED DEVICE COMPRISING: A CONTINUOUS RIM; A SUPPORT POST HAVING A LOWER END AXIALLY DISPLACED FROM THE RIM AND RESTING DIRECTLY IN CONTACT WITH A SUPPORTING SURFACE, A FLOOR FOR EXAMPLE; FRAMEWORK INTERCONNECTING THE RIM AND THE SUPPORT POST; A PLURALITY OF SEPARATE SEATS SYMMETRICALLY DISPOSED ABOUT THE SUPPORT POST; SAID SEATS BEING MOUNTED ON SAID FRAMEWORK OUTBOARD OF SAID SUPPORT POST AND INBOARD OF SAID CONTINUOUS RIM; SAID DEVICE BEING CONSTRUCTED FOR RESTING SUBSTANTIALLY IN TWO POINT CONTACT WITH THE SUPPORTING SURFACE, ONE POINT BEING AT THE LOWER END OF THE SUPPORT POST AND THE OTHER POINT BEING A POINT OF THE RIM; AND THE CONTINUOUS RIM PRESENTING AN ENDLESS CONTINUOUS LINE OF POINTS POSITIONED FOR REPEATED MOMENTARY ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SUPPORTING SURFACE AS THE DEVICE IS IN RIDE MOTION. 